The U17 NTC girls team ahead of their trip to Canberra for the NTC Challenge.

NTC U17 squad overcome first Challenge

Jul 24, 2017

Football West News

A hat-trick by Liana Cook has helped the NTC U17 team defeat Tasmania 4-1 in their first game at this week’s NTC Challenge in Canberra.

Another goal from Lexie Moreno secured the win, as the players prepare to take on other teams from ACT, Northern New South Wales, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria over the week.

Coach Jessine Bonzas says it would be a dream come true if one of her squad were identified for a Junior Matildas camp when they participate in the Challenge, which runs from July 24 to 28 at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Bonzas said her squad, which was selected through trials in September last year, are aiming to make an impression and give themselves every opportunity.

“We have been tracking really nicely, we’re playing a good attacking brand of football and from all signs the girls have been doing well throughout the season, but I’m sure every other state is working just as hard,” she said.

“We are really hoping we can get some WA players recognised and get them wearing the green and gold.”

The NTC Challenge gives players a chance to be identified and invited to one of several upcoming Westfield Junior Matildas camps, before potentially participating in qualifiers and international matches.

Former Canberra W-League coach Rae Dower has this week been named the Westfield Junior Matildas coach, in what will be her first appointment as a head coach of a national team.

Bonzas said it’s an exciting time for women’s football with Dower’s appointment, and she has high hopes for her squad as they go into the Challenge.

“My goals for the tournament are to get as many players identified as we possibly can, to be competitive, and to finish well,” she said.

The competition consists of two groups of teams playing round robin matches with the top two teams from each group qualifying for finals.

The NTC Challenge follows an excellent performance from the State U15 team in New South Wales last week at the National Youth Championships. The team finished second to winners NSW Metro.